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(New page: =Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078)= <googlemap version="0.9" lat="51.1969879528107" lon="5.97999572753906" zoom="13"...)
 
(Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078))
 
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=Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078)=
 
=Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078)=
  
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="51.1969879528107" lon="5.97999572753906" zoom="13" width="100%" height="400" scale="yes" overview="yes" toc="no" controls="large">
+
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="51.187306" lon="5.987849" type="satellite" zoom="15" scale="yes" overview="yes" controls="large">
(A) 51.1969879528107, 5.97999572753906</googlemap>  
+
51.189703, 5.981417
 +
Fish ladder at the hydropower installation
 +
51.18436, 5.988107
 +
New fish ladder in the Hambeck
 +
</googlemap>
  
 
<Forecasterlink type="getProjectInfoBox" code="233" />
 
<Forecasterlink type="getProjectInfoBox" code="233" />
 
    
 
    
 +
''This webpage is currently under construction. Comments with regards to the contents or possible lack would be gratefully appreciated. <br /> The FORECASTER Team ''
 +
 
==Key features of the case study==
 
==Key features of the case study==
 
+
 
 +
''In the following section, background and motives of the restoration project which led to the initiation of the project are introduced''
 +
 
 +
===Drivers and pressures===
 +
 
 +
The whole Maas river system suffered for many decades from human activities, which altered the freshwater ecosystems. In order to control water flows and produce electricity, various barriers such as hydropower plant were established along rivers of the basin thus resulting in the closing-off of the North Sea from the main rivers. This closing-off prevented fish to migrate upstream to the spawning grounds. For that reason, several projects were undertaken aiming to eliminate fish migration barriers in the Maas river system by different means (bypass, ladder, dam removal, etc.). Nevertheless, despite this undertaken work, there were still two remaining fish migration barriers in 2006 in the Roer River: in the Molentak branch of the Roer near the Electric Chemical Industry plant in Roermond and the near the dam in the Roertak.
 +
 
 +
===Global objectives===
 +
 
 +
The aim of the LIFE project was to create a single accessible river system from the North Sea to the streams and brooks of the upper Roer in Germany since these two structures overcame the last remaining obstacles for fish migration between the river Mass and the Dutch part of the river Roer.
 +
 
 +
By improving the Roer river continuity, the project also aimed to restore endangered species such as the Atlantic salmon (''Salmo salar'') and other Annex II species, namely asp (''Aspius aspius''), bullhead (''Cottus gobio''), river lamprey (''Lampetra fluviatilis''), brook lamprey (''Lampetra planeri''), sea lamprey (''Petromyzon marinus''), bitterling (''Rhodeus sericeus susbsp. amarus'') and weatherfish (''Misgurnis fossilis''). Besides, by restoring Habitat Directive species, the water board reinforced the status of the Roer valley as a Natura 2000 area.
 +
 
 +
===Specific goals===
 +
 
 +
The project foresaw to remove the last obstacles to fish migration in the Roer by constructing a new fish ladder in Roermond and modifying an inefficient fish ladder built in the 1980’s “the green overfall” in the Hambeek; thus opening the Roer to migratory fish all the way to Germany.
  
 
==Site description==
 
==Site description==
 
   
 
   
 
==Measures selection==
 
==Measures selection==
 +
 +
''The following section introduces which measures were prepared, implemented and whether they were successful in reaching their related goals''
 +
 +
In the frame of the LIFE project, two measures were implemented at two different sites (see Google map above).
 +
 +
* The building of a new fish ladder in Roermond going via a series of switchbacks (a height of 2.4 m and covers an area of 2 000 m2) to allow fish to migrate upstream to the dam. The fish ladder could also be used for downstream migration. Therefore, a protective grill was installed above the hydropower installation to avoid fish swimming towards the hydro installation to be killed or injured in the turbine.
 +
 +
* The existing fish ladder at Hambeek was improved to increase its effectiveness (480 m long and bridges a height of 2.5 m). Modifications were made to allow all fish species to migrate through the fish pass since the ladder steps were actually too high for some migratory species. Besides, the fish entrance was moved to ensure that fish migrating upstream can find the entrance of the fish ladder even during periods of high flow.
  
 
==Success criteria==
 
==Success criteria==
 +
 +
No information found
  
 
==Ecological response==
 
==Ecological response==
 +
 +
Monitoring has confirmed that three of the species targeted by the project (salmon, sea lamprey and European bullhead) are using the new Roermond fish ladder. Salmon and sea lamprey have also been recorded using the improved Hambeek migratory facilities. Those results were especially highlighted through an electro-fishing carried out in 2008 which caught hundreds of fish of 27 different species in the fish pass.
  
 
==Hydromorphological response==
 
==Hydromorphological response==
  
 
==Monitoring before and after implementation of the project==
 
==Monitoring before and after implementation of the project==
 +
 +
Roer fish population was assessed before the restoration especially through the fish stock survey performed in 2003 that was used as a baseline for the project. The need for fish ladders near to the current dams was brought up through this assessment leading to the implementation of the project.
 +
 +
After the restoration, both monitoring physical and ecological were carried to find out whether the restoration was a success.
 +
 +
* First of all, studies were carried to establish how well the passes and constructions are working. Flow speeds and the way the current divides were monitored at different places.
 +
 +
* Then, the Waterschap Roer and Overmaas Regional Water Authority undertook fish stock inventories to look at the effectiveness of fish ladders on the basis of the numbers and species of fish passing the ladder in either direction by trapping fish swimming through the ladder (gage traps). The best times to measure are during the spring (March, April and May) and in the autumn (October, November and December). Besides, early in January 2008, the Hambeek and the renovated fish passage between the Roer and the Hambeek were electrically fished.
  
 
==Socio-economic aspects==
 
==Socio-economic aspects==
 +
 +
''In the following section, ways of cooperation, interaction and information with partners, stakeholders and wider audience of the project are introduced as well as their related success in reaching their participation objectives. ''
 +
 +
===Cooperation===
 +
 +
The LIFE project was initiated by the Waterschap Roer and Overmaas Regional Water Authority.
 +
 +
===Interaction===
 +
 +
Several stakeholders were involved in the project especially those who are the most affected by fish species disappearance. Anglers and other volunteers thus helped carrying the fish monitoring (Valley Fish Stock Management Committee-Visstand beheerscommissie).
 +
 +
===Communication===
 +
 +
Besides fish ladders construction, education and informing was another desire of the project board. Project managers foresaw to share freshwater knowledge and experience to a large broad of audience through:
 +
 +
* The development of a website
 +
* The installation of a visitor centre with an underwater viewing window at the new fish ladder at the ECI hydropower.
 +
* Excursions, meetings and project presentations for local people but also for environmental and nature organizations.
 +
 +
===Funding===
 +
 +
''The following section gives an overview of cost and funding of the project''
 +
 +
Cost:  3 187 646 Euros <br />
 +
European Union: 40 % <br />
  
 
==Contact person within the organization==
 
==Contact person within the organization==
 +
 +
''' Waterschap Roer en Overmaa''' <br />
 +
Peter BROUWERS, project manager/coordinator <br />
 +
Telephone: +31 46 420 5700<br />
 +
E-mail: p.brouwers@overmaas.nl <br />
  
 
==Extra background information==
 
==Extra background information==
+
 
 +
*[http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showFile&rep=file&fil=LIFE06_NAT_NL_000078_AfterLIFE_NL.pdf LIFE Nature Project - Roer Migration - After LIFE Conservation Plan (2009)] <sub>(<i>language:</i> Dutch)
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
<references/>
+
 
 +
*[http://www.vismigratieroer.nl/projectinformatie Project website] <sub>(<i>language:</i> english, abstract)</sub>
 +
*[http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm?fuseaction=search.dspPage&n_proj_id=3128&docType=pdf LIFE Web summary] <sub>(<i>language:</i> English)
 +
*[http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showFile&rep=laymanReport&fil=LIFE06_NAT_NL_000078_LAYMAN.pdf Layman’s report (2008). Life-nature project - Restoration of fish migration in the river Roer] <sub>(<i>language:</i> English)
  
 
[[Category:Case_studies]]
 
[[Category:Case_studies]]

Latest revision as of 08:43, 7 September 2011

Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078)


Factsheet: Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078)

General
Country NL
River Name Roer
Site Name Roermond – Restoring migration possibilities for 8 Annex II species in the Roer (LIFE06 NAT/NL/000078)
River Characterisation
    River typology
    Location (Lat Lon) 51.1969879528107, 5.97999572753906
    Altitude lowland: < 200 m
    Catchment area large: > 1000 - 10000 km2
    Geology Siliceous
    National code/
    River type name
    Hydromorphological quality elements

    Biological quality elements
    Ecosystem Services
    EU Directives
    Pressures
    Measures
    Other
    Project size -1
    Approximate costs > 1 000 000 Euros
    Synergy
    Status Realised
    Period of realization 2006 - 2009
    Evaluation Ecological change
    Implemented by Waterschap Roer en Overmaas


    This webpage is currently under construction. Comments with regards to the contents or possible lack would be gratefully appreciated.
    The FORECASTER Team

    Key features of the case study

    In the following section, background and motives of the restoration project which led to the initiation of the project are introduced

    Drivers and pressures

    The whole Maas river system suffered for many decades from human activities, which altered the freshwater ecosystems. In order to control water flows and produce electricity, various barriers such as hydropower plant were established along rivers of the basin thus resulting in the closing-off of the North Sea from the main rivers. This closing-off prevented fish to migrate upstream to the spawning grounds. For that reason, several projects were undertaken aiming to eliminate fish migration barriers in the Maas river system by different means (bypass, ladder, dam removal, etc.). Nevertheless, despite this undertaken work, there were still two remaining fish migration barriers in 2006 in the Roer River: in the Molentak branch of the Roer near the Electric Chemical Industry plant in Roermond and the near the dam in the Roertak.

    Global objectives

    The aim of the LIFE project was to create a single accessible river system from the North Sea to the streams and brooks of the upper Roer in Germany since these two structures overcame the last remaining obstacles for fish migration between the river Mass and the Dutch part of the river Roer.

    By improving the Roer river continuity, the project also aimed to restore endangered species such as the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and other Annex II species, namely asp (Aspius aspius), bullhead (Cottus gobio), river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis), brook lamprey (Lampetra planeri), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus), bitterling (Rhodeus sericeus susbsp. amarus) and weatherfish (Misgurnis fossilis). Besides, by restoring Habitat Directive species, the water board reinforced the status of the Roer valley as a Natura 2000 area.

    Specific goals

    The project foresaw to remove the last obstacles to fish migration in the Roer by constructing a new fish ladder in Roermond and modifying an inefficient fish ladder built in the 1980’s “the green overfall” in the Hambeek; thus opening the Roer to migratory fish all the way to Germany.

    Site description

    Measures selection

    The following section introduces which measures were prepared, implemented and whether they were successful in reaching their related goals

    In the frame of the LIFE project, two measures were implemented at two different sites (see Google map above).

    • The building of a new fish ladder in Roermond going via a series of switchbacks (a height of 2.4 m and covers an area of 2 000 m2) to allow fish to migrate upstream to the dam. The fish ladder could also be used for downstream migration. Therefore, a protective grill was installed above the hydropower installation to avoid fish swimming towards the hydro installation to be killed or injured in the turbine.
    • The existing fish ladder at Hambeek was improved to increase its effectiveness (480 m long and bridges a height of 2.5 m). Modifications were made to allow all fish species to migrate through the fish pass since the ladder steps were actually too high for some migratory species. Besides, the fish entrance was moved to ensure that fish migrating upstream can find the entrance of the fish ladder even during periods of high flow.

    Success criteria

    No information found

    Ecological response

    Monitoring has confirmed that three of the species targeted by the project (salmon, sea lamprey and European bullhead) are using the new Roermond fish ladder. Salmon and sea lamprey have also been recorded using the improved Hambeek migratory facilities. Those results were especially highlighted through an electro-fishing carried out in 2008 which caught hundreds of fish of 27 different species in the fish pass.

    Hydromorphological response

    Monitoring before and after implementation of the project

    Roer fish population was assessed before the restoration especially through the fish stock survey performed in 2003 that was used as a baseline for the project. The need for fish ladders near to the current dams was brought up through this assessment leading to the implementation of the project.

    After the restoration, both monitoring physical and ecological were carried to find out whether the restoration was a success.

    • First of all, studies were carried to establish how well the passes and constructions are working. Flow speeds and the way the current divides were monitored at different places.
    • Then, the Waterschap Roer and Overmaas Regional Water Authority undertook fish stock inventories to look at the effectiveness of fish ladders on the basis of the numbers and species of fish passing the ladder in either direction by trapping fish swimming through the ladder (gage traps). The best times to measure are during the spring (March, April and May) and in the autumn (October, November and December). Besides, early in January 2008, the Hambeek and the renovated fish passage between the Roer and the Hambeek were electrically fished.

    Socio-economic aspects

    In the following section, ways of cooperation, interaction and information with partners, stakeholders and wider audience of the project are introduced as well as their related success in reaching their participation objectives.

    Cooperation

    The LIFE project was initiated by the Waterschap Roer and Overmaas Regional Water Authority.

    Interaction

    Several stakeholders were involved in the project especially those who are the most affected by fish species disappearance. Anglers and other volunteers thus helped carrying the fish monitoring (Valley Fish Stock Management Committee-Visstand beheerscommissie).

    Communication

    Besides fish ladders construction, education and informing was another desire of the project board. Project managers foresaw to share freshwater knowledge and experience to a large broad of audience through:

    • The development of a website
    • The installation of a visitor centre with an underwater viewing window at the new fish ladder at the ECI hydropower.
    • Excursions, meetings and project presentations for local people but also for environmental and nature organizations.

    Funding

    The following section gives an overview of cost and funding of the project

    Cost: 3 187 646 Euros
    European Union: 40 %

    Contact person within the organization

    Waterschap Roer en Overmaa
    Peter BROUWERS, project manager/coordinator
    Telephone: +31 46 420 5700
    E-mail: p.brouwers@overmaas.nl

    Extra background information

    References

    Related Measures

    Related Pressures